2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Sonoma, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Sonoma older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Sonoma is 15.0 years older than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Sonoma or Santa Barbara?
- Sonoma housing costs are 40.6% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Sonoma or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Sonoma is 9.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Barbara.

Things to do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara, California has something for everyone - from fantastic beaches to world-class shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can explore Old Mission Santa Barbara or take part in various water activities around Stearns Wharf.

Things to do in Sonoma?
Sonoma, CA is an attractive town northwest of San Francisco full of incredible sites such as Jack London State Historic Park Displaying its distinct landscape or Sonoma Valley Regional Park great for recreational activities; visitors can also join in the magnificent Vintage Festival celebrating culture through arts and music every May.

 Santa Barbara, CASonoma, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock10,819329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock54.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.15  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Barbara    51 Reviews

I moved to Santa Barbara around 23 years ago to study at Brooks, which like most of the Santa Barbara that I knew—has been destroyed. Homelessness, drugs, gangs, high  More

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Over 4 years ago

I fell in love with Santa Barbara about thirty years ago and finally moved here a few years ago. Because of the price of homes, it is an expensive place to live. The  More

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If you like high crime, paying a $4,500 a month mortgage and crazy high taxes, this is the place for you. It’s too bad because it wasn’t always like this. When I moved  More

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Reviews for Sonoma    12 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

I love Sonoma. Moved here from Texas and I can't wait to live in this small town with country living all around. I hate all the drama and crime in Vallejo. I live in  More

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I have lived in Sonoma for 3 years now. I relocated after a brief stint in Salt Lake City but lived in San Francisco for 30 years before that. If you like small town  More

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The best aspects of living in Sonoma County,CA: Air quality is best that one can ask for and there is no severe weather. No hazardous weather driving or walking  More

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